Andres (Andy) Vega Jr.
October 15, 1937 – March 23, 2025
It is with heavy hearts but immense gratitude that the City of Brownsville honors the life and legacy of Andres (Andy) Vega Jr., who now rests in eternal peace. He was a devoted public servant, respected leader, trailblazer, and, above all, a man of deep love for his family and community.
Chief Vega was born on October 15, 1937, in Los Fresnos, Texas. He was destined to serve and lead. A 1955 Los Fresnos High School graduate, he answered a higher calling by serving in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Germany for 18 months as part of the 7th Army, 5th Artillery Division. Upon returning home, his journey in public service continued. He joined the Brownsville Police Department in 1963. His commitment, intelligence, and steady presence quickly earned him respect. In 1969, he was promoted to Sergeant and assigned to the newly created Intelligence Section.
In February 1972, Chief Vega was appointed Acting Chief of Police, and in December 1972, officially named Chief. What followed was a legacy that would shape the future of law enforcement in the Rio Grande Valley, and beyond. He was never content with the status quo; he pushed for better. He fought for and secured grant funding that brought new training opportunities, modernized equipment, and established a new communications and records management system.
For his officers, he championed for higher pay, more education, and stronger leadership. Under his administration the department hired the first female officer in the Valley, Justice Ann McCalley, in 1976. He also introduced innovations of that time, such as the first paddy wagon in the region. His efforts culminated in constructing the Brownsville Police Station at 600 E. Jackson Street, which opened in 1983. It’s a project he helped bring to life.
Chief Vega’s influence extended far beyond law enforcement. In 1990, he became Assistant City Manager, and by 1993, he was appointed City Manager. At a time when Brownsville faced severe financial and operational challenges, he brought stability and vision, doubling the city’s fund balance, improving its bond rating, and overseeing the creation of a new public library.
In 1996, President Bill Clinton and Attorney General Janet Reno recognized Chief Vega’s work after Brownsville recorded a 15.5% reduction in crime, the most significant drop along the U.S.-Mexico border that year. It was a fitting acknowledgment of a lifetime dedicated to public safety and community betterment.
Chief Vega earned an Associate of Arts degree from Texas Southmost College and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Pan American University. He was a proud member of numerous professional organizations, including the Texas Police Association, Texas Narcotics Officers Association, Intelligence Unit Association, the FBI National Academy, and the Brownsville Kiwanis Club.
But beyond his titles and accolades, Andy Vega was a man of integrity, vision, and heart. He lived by a simple yet profound motto:
“One should leave things in better shape than when you first got there.”
And that’s precisely what he did. Chief Vega was also a devoted family man. He shared over 60 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Olivia, building a life grounded in love, faith, and strength. He was the proud father of Cynthia Vega and Andy Vega III, his pride and joy. He also found immense happiness and fulfillment as a grandfather to his two precious grandchildren, Sofia Vega, and Jacob Vega, whom he loved deeply and cherished dearly.
Chief Vega’s life is a true example of service, love, and purpose. We are better because he walked among us, and we will forever remember the mark he left behind.
Rest in peace, Chief Vega. Your legacy lives on.
Funeral Services for Andres (Andy) Vega Jr.
Visitation:
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
(Rosary 7:00 PM)
St. Luke Catholic Church
2800 Rockwell Dr, Brownsville, TX 78521
Funeral Mass:
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
10:00 AM
St. Luke Catholic Church
2800 Rockwell Dr, Brownsville, TX 78521
Burial to follow at:
Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens
4464 Old Port Isabel Rd, Brownsville, TX 78521
